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"Aplicar" is a transitive verb which is often translated as "to apply", and "aplicación" is a noun which is often translated as "application". Learn more about the difference between "aplicar" and "aplicación" below.
aplicar(
ah
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plee
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kahr
)A transitive verb is a verb that requires a direct object (e.g., I bought a book.).
a. to apply
Aplique la loción en el brazo y extiéndala de manera uniforme.Apply the lotion to your arm and spread it evenly.
b. to put on
La maquilladora aplica maquillaje a los actores antes de la filmación.The makeup assistant puts makeup on the actors before shooting.
c. to give
Aplica una segunda capa de pintura a la mesa y déjala secar.Give the table a second coat of paint and let it dry.
d. to administer
Para este tipo de cirugía tenemos que aplicar anestesia.For this type of surgery, we need to administer an anesthetic.
a. to apply
Vamos a aplicar un nueva estrategia para obtener mejores resultados.We're going to apply a new strategy to achieve better results.
b. to put into practice
En la sala de emergencias aplicas lo que aprendiste en clase.In the emergency room, you put into practice what you've learned in school.
c. to use (a method or a technique)
El método aplicado resultó ser el más efectivo.The method used proved to be the most effective.
d. to impose (punishment)
El juez aplicó fuertes sanciones por comercio ilegal.The judge imposed strict sanctions for illegal commerce.
An intransitive verb is one that does not require a direct object (e.g., The man sneezed.).
3. (to send a request) (Latin America)
Regionalism used in Latin America: all the countries in South America, Central America, and the Caribbean. Does not include Spain.
a. to apply
No cumplo los requisitos necesarios para aplicar a una beca en Harvard.I don't meet the requirements to apply for a scholarship at Harvard.
aplicarse
A pronominal verb always uses a reflexive pronoun. (e.g., Te ves cansado.).
a. to apply oneself
Tengo que aplicarme en los estudios si quiero graduarme el año que viene.I have to apply myself to my studies if I want to graduate next year.
la aplicación(
ah
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plee
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kah
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syohn
)A feminine noun is almost always used with feminine articles and adjectives (e.g., la mujer bonita, la luna llena).
a. application
La aplicación de esta loción debería aliviar el picor.The application of this lotion should ease the stinging.
a. implementation
El ministro criticó las autoridades responsables de vigilar la aplicación de la ley.The minister criticized the authorities responsible for overseeing the implementation of the law.
b. application
La aplicación de estas normas es obligatoria en todas las escuelas.The application of these rules is mandatory in all schools.
c. imposition
La ONU autorizó la aplicación de sanciones económicas contra el país.The UN authorized the imposition of economic sanctions against the country.
3. (employment)
a. use
La aplicación de la canela como condimento no es la única. También es antiséptico y digestivo.The use of cinnamon as a spice isn't its only use. It is also an antiseptic and a digestive.
b. application
Este tipo de cemento tiene varias aplicaciones en la odontología.This type of cement has several applications in dentistry.
4. (dedication)
a. application
Pablo es un alumno que ha demostrado mucha aplicación y ganas de aprender.Pablo is a student who has shown great application and willingness to learn.
5. (sewing)
a. appliqué
En la tienda me enseñaron a coser aplicaciones a máquina.At the store they taught me to do appliqué with a machine.
6. (computing)
a. application
Desde que instalé esa aplicación, mi computadora está muy lenta.Ever since I installed that application, my computer is running slow.
b. app (colloquial)
A word or phrase that is commonly used in conversational speech (e.g., skinny, grandma).
Estoy creando una aplicación para localizar a mascotas perdidas.I'm creating an app to locate lost pets.
7. (request form) (Latin America)
Regionalism used in Latin America: all the countries in South America, Central America, and the Caribbean. Does not include Spain.
a. application
Si no envías la aplicación para ese trabajo nunca sabrás si te habrían elegido.If you don't send that job application you'll never know if you would have been selected.
